Fredericton school receives $4.4 million as part of 10-year upgrade project

The logo for École Sainte-Anne in Fredericton, N.B., is pictured. (Source: Facebook)

École Sainte-Anne and Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne in Fredericton, N.B., is receiving $4.4 million to begin work on mid-life upgrades and decide how to best manage to school’s growing need for space.

“As enrolment continues to grow, we have a responsibility to ensure students have the modern, accessible learning spaces they need to succeed,” said Premier Susan Holt in a news release. “By upgrading and expanding these facilities, we are strengthening public education, supporting families and creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive in our province.”

The funding is part of a 10-year, $67.5 million project which begins with an assessment of the approximately 850 students in grades 6 to 12. The 2026-27 capital budget allocates $4.4 million to begin preliminary work this year. This includes $1.5 million from Education and Early Childhood Development and $2.9 million from Transportation and Infrastructure.

The initial funding will also be used to continue accessibility upgrades and begin window and lighting upgrades.

“Over almost five decades this school has served a growing community,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “École Sainte-Anne is one of three school mid-life upgrades we have committed to this year. We are investing in our existing infrastructure to ensure it can continue to serve communities for generations to come.”

The school is considering a 2,700 square metre addition to the existing building or construction of a new building, said the new release from the province. The additional space will house new facilities including classrooms, multi-function and project areas, art and music rooms, workshop and resource rooms, computer and science labs, office and administrative space and gymnasiums.

“This growth puts constant pressure on our infrastructure and requires us to think from a long-term planning perspective,” said Michel Côté, chair of the Francophone sud school district education council.

The francophone community in Fredericton has been requesting investment in the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne for years, said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours.

“Modernizing the infrastructure of both the centre and the school will allow our future generation of francophone youth to grow and flourish in a dynamic, welcoming and engaged environment,” he said.

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